VT Sprint Customers Can Send Text Messages to 911 - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Starting Monday, Sprint customers can send emergency text messages to 911.

A press release says this a 4 month test to see the potential of this technology.

"We learned a lot from the original text to 911 trial in Vermont, including that this new technology can save lives," David Tucker, Executive Director of the Enhanced 911 Board, said. "The fact that a large number of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing already use Sprint as their preferred carrier means we will be better able to provide access for that population to the Vermont 911 system as a result of this trial with Sprint."

Tucker says there are different parameters that the public should be aware of before sending in emergency text messages to 911:
 
• Customers should use the texting option only when a voice call to 911 is not an option. Text messaging is considered a "best efforts" service and there is no guarantee a text message will be sent, delivered or received in a timely manner, if at all.
 
• Sending a text to 911 may take longer than a voice call because someone must enter the text, send it through the system and then the 911 call taker has to enter a text response and send it back.  Time is critical in a life-threatening emergency, and customers should be aware of this difference.
 
• Providing location information and the nature of the emergency in the first message is imperative.   The Williston PSAP will not be able to access the cell phone location or speak with the person who is sending the text, and will need to convey the texter's location to local first responders.  
 
• Text abbreviations and slang should never be used so that the intent of the dialog can be as clear as possible.
 
• Customers must be in range of cell towers in Vermont. If customers are outside or near the edge of the state, the message may not reach the Williston PSAP.
 
• Texts to 911 have the same 160 character limit as other text messages.
 
• Sprint Wireless customers must have mobile phones that are capable of sending text messages.
 
• The texting function should only be used for emergency situations that require a response from police, fire or emergency medical services. Consumers are reminded this is part of an experimental trial to evaluate a new technology and, in the event of an actual emergency, should also consider alternate forms of contacting 911.

Text messages sent to 911 will be routed to the Williston Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).